Where there are problems - Decisions must be made!
Task One
Understand why businesses must make decisions.
Read the Notes on Problem-solving A problem can be defined as...
"A problem is an obstacle, impediment, difficulty or challenge, or any situation that invites resolution; the resolution of which is recognized as a solution or contribution toward a known purpose or goal." (www.wikipedia.org)
"...any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty." (www.dictionary.com)
Business Organisations (and regular people for that matter) encounter problems every day, from the very simple and straightforward, to much more complex. Each problem will require some kind of decision to be made in order to reach the best outcome. There are two types of decisions that you may be faced with:
Programmed Decisions - Also called routine decisions, these are everyday problems that have a pre-defined decision.These decisions often form the basis of an organisations policies and procedures. Example: Problem - I want to go outside but the door is closed. Solution - Unlock the door. Problem - A customer comes into your store to return a faulty product Solution - You offer them a replacement product or a refund.
Non-programmed Decisions - Also called complex decisions, these are problems that arise that have no pre-defined decision. Such problems may occur on a less frequent basis, and require more thought and consideration. Often consultation with others is necessary to make the best decision. Example: Problem - You have gained entrance to three different Universities. Problem - The General Manager has instructed you to make 3 members of your staff redundant.
Task Two
Identify examples of programmed and non-programmed decisions.
Comment with Examples of Decisions Using the wall below, contribute an example of a decision that either you have already made, or one that you might have to make. Put the programmed decisions on the left. The non-programmed decisions on the right. (HINT: Double-click the wall to type your contribution)
Problem Solving
Where there are problems - Decisions must be made!
Task One
Understand why businesses must make decisions.A problem can be defined as...
Business Organisations (and regular people for that matter) encounter problems every day, from the very simple and straightforward, to much more complex. Each problem will require some kind of decision to be made in order to reach the best outcome. There are two types of decisions that you may be faced with:
Programmed Decisions - Also called routine decisions, these are everyday problems that have a pre-defined decision.These decisions often form the basis of an organisations policies and procedures.
Example:
Problem - I want to go outside but the door is closed. Solution - Unlock the door.
Problem - A customer comes into your store to return a faulty product Solution - You offer them a replacement product or a refund.
Non-programmed Decisions - Also called complex decisions, these are problems that arise that have no pre-defined decision. Such problems may occur on a less frequent basis, and require more thought and consideration. Often consultation with others is necessary to make the best decision.
Example:
Problem - You have gained entrance to three different Universities.
Problem - The General Manager has instructed you to make 3 members of your staff redundant.
Task Two
Identify examples of programmed and non-programmed decisions.Using the wall below, contribute an example of a decision that either you have already made, or one that you might have to make. Put the programmed decisions on the left. The non-programmed decisions on the right. (HINT: Double-click the wall to type your contribution)
For help with Wallwisher go to the Tool Test
Before you move on to the next page, you should be able to do the following things: